Trust (rock band)

Trust

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1977
Headquarters	Paris , France
Products	Hard rock music albums and singles

Trust is a French hard rock ensemble formed in 1977, distinguished by guitarist Norbert "Nono" Krief's virtuosity, vocalist Bernard "Bernie" Bonvoisin's unique vocal timbre, and lyrics rich in social and political critique. The group achieved significant recognition across Europe in the early 1980s. Notably, drummers Nicko McBrain and Clive Burr, both of whom later joined Iron Maiden, contributed to Trust during different periods. After their initial split in 1985, Trust reunited sporadically from the 2000s onward for tours and new projects.

History

Trust originated in 1977 with Bonvoisin handling vocals and lyrics, Krief on guitar and composition, Raymond "Ray" Manna playing bass, and Jean-Émile "Jeannot" Hanela on drums. Their first single, "Prends Pas Ton Flingue," was released that same year and saw a reissue during their brief revival in 1992.

Their ascent was fueled by a fusion of hard rock energy, sharp social observations, and anarchistic themes reminiscent of MC5. Krief earned acclaim as a prominent French guitarist, while Bonvoisin's potent lyrics and dynamic stage presence propelled the band’s rise. The 1980 track "Antisocial," from the album Répression, offered a critique of the alienating speed of modern urban life. Other politically motivated songs included "Le Mitard," focusing on juvenile detention issues, and "Monsieur Comédie," which targeted the exiled Ayatollah Khomeini. English versions of Répression’s songs were adapted with assistance from Jimmy Pursey of Sham 69, though some translations diluted the original intent.

Further politically charged compositions include "Darquier" (1979), condemning Nazi collaborator Louis Darquier de Pellepoix; "Les Brutes" (1981), depicting Warsaw Pact oppression during the Prague Spring; and "H & D" (1979), criticizing Soviet-era punitive psychiatry enforced by the KGB.

Bonvoisin’s vocal delivery drew parallels to AC/DC’s Bon Scott, with whom Trust maintained amicable relations. The band covered several AC/DC songs across various releases, including their debut album and live recordings. Despite speculation, Trust refuted claims that these covers were marketing tactics designed to capitalize on AC/DC's fame.

By 1983, following three successful albums and international tours supporting bands like Iron Maiden, Trust faced criticism for adopting a softer sound that incorporated synthesizers alongside frequent changes in drummers—McBrain left after Savage to join Iron Maiden; Burr followed briefly before departing after Trust IV (Idéal). After poor sales of Rock'n'Roll, the band dissolved in 1985. Bonvoisin embarked on a solo path while Krief became lead guitarist for French rock legend Johnny Hallyday until 1993.

The band's emblematic song "Antisocial" experienced a revival when American metal group Anthrax covered it on their 1988 album State of Euphoria, turning it into one of their signature tracks. Anthrax also recorded a French rendition in 1989. This renewed interest led to Trust’s appearance at the 1988 Monsters of Rock Festival in Paris. Their live album Paris by Night was distributed internationally through Megaforce Records. Following tours in 1989 and the release of the covers/outtakes compilation En attendant, Trust disbanded once more.

In 1996, Krief and Bonvoisin reunited under Warner Music to produce the studio album Europe et haines, followed by touring and a live release. However, disagreements regarding the follow-up album Ni Dieu, ni maitre resulted in its independent release by Krief in 2000 before being withdrawn after intervention from Bonvoisin.

The classic lineup reassembled in 2006 for Festival des Terres Neuvas, culminating in a live album. They commemorated their 30th anniversary with a special concert in 2007 and introduced new material on 13 à table released in 2008.

Although Bonvoisin announced no further reunions or remastered editions in 2012, Trust was briefly slated to perform at Sonisphere France before canceling. In 2013, Bonvoisin toured without Krief under the name "Kollektif AK47" before disbanding again.

From 2016 onward, approaching their 40th anniversary in 2017, Trust has maintained a consistent lineup, engaging in regular tours and releasing three new albums recorded live and mixed by producer Mike Fraser. Additionally, they issued a box set featuring re-recorded editions of their first three albums with updated lyrics.

Singles

• 1977 "Prends Pas Ton Flingue" / "Paris By Night" [SP] France

Albums

• 1979 Trust I (L'Élite) released in France, UK, US, Netherlands, Japan CBS 83732
• 1980 Répression issued in France and Germany PFC 90610 CBS
• 1980 Repression (English adaptation of Répression) available in UK, US, Netherlands, Japan, Canada S CBS 84958
• 1981 Marche Ou Crève distributed in France, Germany, Italy EPIC EPC 85238 (featuring Nicko McBrain)
• 1982 Savage (English rendition of Marche Ou Crève) launched in UK, US, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Japan (with Nicko McBrain)
• 1983 Trust IV (Idéal) released in France and Germany EPC 25666 (featuring Clive Burr)
• 1984 Man's Trap (English version of Trust IV) issued in UK, US, Japan, Netherlands (with Farid Medjane)
• 1984 Rock'n'Roll available in France and Canada
• 1988 En attendant... [EP] released in France, UK, US
• 1992 Prends pas ton flingue [EP] issued in France
• 1993 The Back Sides [EP] released in France EPC 473916-2
• 1996 Europe et Haines distributed in France Wea 0630-16712-2
• 2000 Ni Dieu Ni Maître launched in France XIIIBIS Records 526 291 PM 125
• 2008 13 à table made available in France Universal Mercury 5311096
• 2018 Dans Le Même Sang
• 2019 Fils de lutte
• 2020 ReCiDiv – Re-recorded versions of the first three albums performed live by the current lineup; offered individually or as a box set
• 2022 Propaganda

Live albums

• 1988 Live: Paris By Night (captured at Bercy on September 24/25, 1988 during the Monsters of Rock tour alongside Iron Maiden, Anthrax, and Helloween) released in France and US
• 1992 Répression dans l'Hexagone (Live) (from the Répression dans l'Hexagone tour) France
• 1997 A Live Tour 97 (part of the Insurrection dans l'Hexagone tour) France
• 2000 Still A-live (German edition of A Live Tour 97, includes a bonus EP) Germany
• 2006 Soulagez-vous dans les urnes! (recorded during the 2006 tour; contains three new studio tracks) France
• 2009 A L'Olympia (from the 2008 tour; limited CD + DVD edition includes Rockpalast concert from 1982) France
• 2017 Hellfest 2017: Au nom de la rage tour (recorded at Hellfest) France

Compilation albums

• 1981 Heavy Metal Soundtrack – includes the track "Prefabricated"
• 1997 Anti Best of released in France and Germany
• 2001 Les Indispensables De Trust featuring original versions, available in France
• 2002 Les Plus Belles Chansons Canadian edition of "Les Indispensables" Canada
• 2004 Le Meilleur Des Années CBS containing original versions issued in France

Boxed sets

• 1997 Trust I / Repression issued in France and US
• 2008 Les Annees CBS EU (11 CD box set)

Tribute

• 2001 Tribute to Trust [Various Artists] France

External links

• Official forum (French language)
• Detailed article about Trust on German online fanzine "zine with no name" (German language)